There are signs the normal downhill trend has begun for...

There are signs the normal downhill trend has begun for Patriots QB Tom Brady.

It went pretty much unnoticed as the Pats made a run toward another Super Bowl appearance, but Brady’s numbers declined in 2012. His completion percentage of 63 percent was excellent by most standards, except perhaps his own. It was his lowest percentage since 2006. The percentage of his passes that went for touchdowns dropped to 5.3, his lowest number since 2009. And his average yards per pass was 7.6, his lowest since 2008.

Perhaps more significantly, he turned in his weakest performances over the final month, the time when he tries to peak. He completed 58.5 percent of his passes in December and averaged 7.0 yards per pass. His touchdown-to-interception ratio always has been outstanding and was again for most of this season. But Brady’s lowest ratio in that department came in December when he had 10 touchdowns with five interceptions.

Those who saw the AFC Championship game against Baltimore realize Brady’s mobility, which was never great, is slowing down. He is beginning to show his age, which is only to be expected.